“This is one of the loveliest temples we have seen built in the last generation,” said Elder William R. Walker of the First Quorum of the Seventy and Executive Director of the Temple Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “This is a great day, a happy day, particularly for the people of Box Elder County.”

The temple’s design is reminiscent of the early temples of the church, Elder Walker said, and fits perfectly into its surroundings on Brigham City’s Main Street, reflecting the beauty of the historic Brigham City Tabernacle it faces.

It was not quite three years ago in October General Conference that LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson announced there would be a temple built in Brigham City, one of the earliest communities founded after the saints settled in Utah. Less than a year later, President Boyd K. Packer of the First Presidency broke ground for construction to begin on what will be the church’s 139th operating temple. President Packer, a Brigham City native, will return on Sunday, Sept. 23, to formally dedicate the temple during three separate sessions: 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.

Until then, visitors will be able to tour the 36,000 square foot structure during the public open house which begins Saturday, Aug. 18, and goes through Saturday, Sept. 15, excluding Sundays.

Elder Walker said the new temple, the 14th in Utah, will serve over 40,000 church members in 90 wards and 13 stakes from Willard to Malad, Idaho.

Read more about the Brigham City Temple in next week’s edition of the Leader.